Single access method for multiple media sources

ABSTRACT

Method and systems for searching for media instances of interest to a user are described. User input specifying criteria for content is received and parameters are defined based on the user input. A plurality of databases are searched for media instances meeting the defined parameters, wherein the plurality of databases includes at least one database containing broadcast television content information and at least one database containing non-broadcast television content information. Information about the media instances meeting the defined parameters is retrieved from the plurality of databases. The retrieved information is provided to the user.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/919,837, filed on Aug. 16, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/495,785, filed on Aug. 15, 2003, which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to searching for and acquiring media content thatis of interest to a user.

The Internet, as embodied in HTML pages and other content that can bedelivered in standardized web browsers, has evolved to provide a wealthof information about different topics and access to companies thatdeliver products and services. Internet users can identify specificcontent that is interesting to the user, such as media, by usingInternet search engines. Media can be any creative work, includingwithout limitation: music, movies, television shows, radio broadcasts,books, magazines, web pages, paintings, drawings and live performances(or recording thereof, in any form). Some companies providebrowser-resident forms to allow Internet users to purchase or licensecontent directly. Other companies deliver products, typically softwareor media content in a digital form to a requesting computer on demand orotherwise make products available to the purchaser/licenser.

Another way of providing users with access to media content and productsof interest does not use a personal computer display and keyboard toaccess the products and content. Instead, a simplified control systemfinds and accesses content in the context of a media presentationsystem, e.g., a television, and provides a searching and previewingmethod that is specific to such system.

Conventional digital media server products from TiVo, Mediabolic, andothers provide access to multiple media types (e.g., televisionprograms, broadcast movies, recorded music, and digital photographs),along with the ability to search available media, then access anddeliver selected media. Some of these digital media servers can searchfuture offerings of a particular media supplier (e.g., a particularcable system operator).

SUMMARY

A system is provided that is operative to access a broad search space,including both public and proprietary databases encompassing a varietyof both currently available media and media with planned futureavailability. Many sources are searched simultaneously so that users areprovided with access to a wide variety of media. At least one of thesources can include content that is broadcast for viewing, includingtelevision programming or movie content. In addition, a list of media auser is interested in can be stored in the system and accessed toprovide search parameters, allowing the system to automatically continueto search available media repositories, for example, as new informationbecomes available. The system can notify the user when new media, ormedia in a desired form, becomes available.

In one implementation, a method for searching for media of interest to auser is described. User input is received specifying criteria forcontent and parameters are defined based on the user input. A pluralityof databases are searched for media instances meeting the definedparameters, wherein the plurality of databases includes at least onedatabase containing broadcast television content information and atleast one database containing non-broadcast television contentinformation. Information is retrieved about the media instances meetingthe defined parameters from the plurality of databases. The retrievedinformation is provided to the user.

In one implementation, a system capable of searching for media isdescribed. The system includes a data communicator and a search engine.The data communicator can receive user input, wherein the user inputincludes criteria for content, and the data communicator can defineparameters based on the user input. The search engine can search aplurality of databases for media instances meeting the determinedparameters and retrieve information about the media instances meetingthe defined parameters from the plurality of databases. The plurality ofdatabases searched can include at least one database containingbroadcast television content information and at least one databasecontaining non-broadcast television content information. The system canalso include a remote control for receiving user input and sending userinput to the data receiver, a graphics module capable of receivingsearch results from the search engine and transmitting a representationof the search results to a television screen, a purchasing enginecapable of purchasing media or a license for media selected by the user,a memory for storing at least a portion of the search results, anotification system for notifying a user regarding a media instance thatbecomes available at a time subsequent to the search and a mediaacquisition engine configured to acquire one or more media instancesfrom the media instances meeting the defined parameters.

In another implementation, a method for searching for media of interestto a user is described. The method includes finding groups of reviews ofmedia instances where each media instance is assigned a review and themedia instances are grouped according to a reviewer who assigned thereview to the media instance and correlating a group of reviews to theuser according to the reviews in the group and information known aboutthe user's media interests. A media instance is then selected from thecorrelated group that is potentially of interest to the user, whereinthe selected media instance is assigned a favorable review by thereviewer.

In yet another implementation, a method for searching for media ofinterest to a user is described. An indication is received from the userduring presentation of a media instance that the user is interested inrelated media instances. The related media instances are searched forand information about related media instances is retrieved. Arepresentation of the information is presented to the user about therelated media instances.

In another implementation, a method for searching for media of interestto a group of users is described. A plurality of lists of mediainstances that are of interest to a plurality of users in a group arereceived. from the lists, media instances that are of interest to allmembers of the group are determined. Information is displayed about themedia instances that are of interest to all the members of the group.

Aspects of the invention can include none, one or more of the followingadvantages. The search system can combine searching for media instancesand sources that previously were only accessibly by performing separatesearches. The system therefore can streamline a user's search for mediainstances of interest. Because multiple media sources can be accessed, asingle database including large stores of media related data need not bemaintained. Further, multiple television schedules can be combined, suchas cable, satellite and broadcast television, where previously only asingle television schedule is typically accessible by a traditionaltelevision program search system. Accessing a broad search space canprovide a user with a greater number of results of media instances thanwhen searching with traditional search methods. A greater number ofresults can provide a user with a greater number of choices in selectinga media instance. The search system can provide the user with optionsfor receiving a selected media instance at the time that the userdesires and in a form that the user prefers.

The search system can be implemented with a television. The user can beprovided with a display of the results from a search that is easy toread and user friendly. The display can increase the ease of selectingelements that are likely to be of interest to the user. The display caninclude indications, such as color, texture and symbols, to assist auser in knowing the attributes of the media instance. The system cancontinue to search for newly available media instances, occasionally orcontinuously performing multiple previously defined searches. This canfree a user from performing duplicate searches and provide the user withnew search results. The system can notify a user, or another person orother people of the user's choice, when media instances becomeavailable. The system can also find new media instances for the userthat the user may be interested in by using a critical correlationmethod. The critical correlation method can introduce the user to newmedia instances that the user may not be aware of. The criticalcorrelation method can also provide the user with media instances thatthe user is interested in, that have passed a quality test and are morelikely to appeal to the user than instances identified by simplesearches of instance metadata. The system can also provide the user witha range of services that can be applied to media instances that the useralready owns.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a media search system.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for searching for media.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a critical correlation method.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A media search system can provide a user with information about mediathat is potentially of interest to the user. A user can be anonymous andrepresent multiple users who are indistinguishable, but in oneimplementation, users are uniquely identified, and all references to a“user” are to a particular user who is differentiated from all otherusers. The media information can be derived from multiple sources,thereby casting a wider net and capturing a wider variety of media thanwith traditional search methodologies. The user can communicate with themedia search system using a simple device, such as a remote with merelya few function-specific keys to input the user's requests andselections. The media search system can operate in conjunction with acommon household electronic device, such as a television set. The mediasearch system can store the user's preferences and requests, so that thesearch system can notify the user when desired media becomes availablein a form that the user is interested in. Search requests can be storedfor a later application to updated information sources to discover newinstances of interest to the user.

System

Referring to FIG. 1, a media search system 100 is provided for searchingfor media of interest to a user and providing the results to the user.One individual work may be referred to as a “media instance” or an“instance”. The media search system 100 can include a data communicator107. A user can send input to the data communicator 107 with an inputdevice, such as a wired or wireless device (infrared, RF or other), suchas a remote 109, including a television, personal video recorder,universal, or other suitable remote, a microphone, one or more buttons,a full keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse or a touch pad.

The data communicator 107 also communicates with a search engine 112,sending the user input to the search engine 112. The search engine 112,in turn, can query databases 121, 122, 123 and retrieve information fromthe databases 121, 122, 123. In particular, the search engine 112 caninclude hooks to databases that are media repositories. In oneimplementation, one of the databases 121 can include a reviewing system169. In one implementation, one of the databases 123 can includeinformation about the user's media collection. The search engine 112 cancommunicate the retrieved information to a graphics module 129. Thegraphics module 129 sends a representation of the retrieved informationto a display, such as a television 135, computer screen or other displaysuitable for a user viewing.

User input and retrieved information can be stored in a memory 140. Anotification system 152 can access stored information from the memory140. The notification system 152 can send the accessed information to adevice viewable by the user, such as the television 135 or a personalcomputer or communications device, such as a mobile telephone 157, aPersonal Digital Assistant 158, a pager 159 or an electronic mailaccount 160. A tracking engine 175 can track media of interest for theuser, after an initial search is performed.

The media search system 100 can also include a media acquisition engine171 that is in communication with one or more media licensing or mediasales groups 181, 182, 183, rental agencies and a recording device 190,such as a personal video recorder, a video cassette recorder, a digitalrecorder or other recording device. The recording device 190 can beinternal or external to the media search system 100. The media searchsystem 100 can also include a preview provider 189 that sends a previewof a media instance to the display. The previews sent by the previewprovider 189 can include video clips, thumbnails, audio clips and otherrepresentations of a media instance. The user can repeat, skim (e.g.,rewind and fast forward), skip portions, zoom or end the previewexperience at any time. The memory 140 can store the previews for lateraccess. The media search system 100 can also include a license module193 that determines whether a valid license is required for a user toaccess a media instance and whether the user has the required license.The license module 193 can also obtain any required licenses.

In one implementation, the media search system 100 can include softwarethat operates on a device or software that is accessible to the user,but that is stored on a device remote from the user. Alternatively, themedia search system 100 can include software that the user can installand operate on the user's computer. The media search system 100 can alsoinclude a browser window, i.e., a bi-directional data stream that can bepresented and interacted with using a commercially available softwareprogram, such as, Microsoft Internet Explorer.

A user can construct a search for media instances, such as by selectingsearch criteria, for sending to the media search system 100. Thecriteria for a media search can include a description of the desiredmedia instances, such as general or specific categories, e.g., movies,musical recordings, episodic television shows, or art works; a form ofthe media instance, such as on a recording medium, including magnetictape or optical disk, or for digital delivery, DVD, CD, broadcast, liveperformance or a film presented in a theater; media available from acertain sales channel, e.g., a bookstore, a video store, an electronicdownload, or broadcast television; dated materials within a specifiedrange of dates; media created by a specified artist, e.g., a writer,musician, actor, or painter; titles including keywords; descriptionsincluding keywords; depictions of specified persons, places, or events,e.g., Seinfeld episodes about soup, paintings of Plato, songs aboutsunglasses, or photographs of Venice; media containing, or notcontaining, certain elements, e.g., nudity, foul language, sportsthemes, or children's themes; critically acclaimed media, e.g., awardsor star ratings; media of particular popular appeal, e.g., as measuredby audience feedback or sales, in general or to a particulardemographic. The user can send the search criteria to the media searchsystem 100, such as by sending data with a remote control 109.

User Requested Media Search

The media search system 100 such as one including one or more of thecomponents described above, can then be used to search for mediainstances meeting the criteria set out by the user, as shown in FIG. 2.Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the process begins with the datacommunicator 107 receiving user input (step 203). The data communicator107 can send the user input to the search engine 112.

The search engine 112 then determines search parameters based on theuser input (step 211). In one implementation, determining searchparameters merely uses the criteria or terms in the user input. Inanother implementation, determining search parameters includesidentifying media of particular interest to the user.

To define the search parameters, the search engine 112 can combine theuser's input criteria with information the media search system 100already knows about the user's interests. Information related to theuser's media instance preferences can be stored in the memory 140. Theinformation can be determined from the user's media consumption history.Media consumption can include watching, reading, listening, viewing,attending or any other form of user participation. Such history can beinput by the user, or acquired by the memory 140 as the user engages insearch, acquisition and consumption activity. In addition to the user'sviewing, reading and listening activity, the history can also includethe timing and duration of such activity, as well as the user's ratingsof media. The user can input his or her ratings of media into the mediasearch system 100, i.e., expressed preferences by the user aboutselected media and preferences for certain media outlets, such asbroadcast stations or channels and publishers, as specifically expressedor determined from user behavior. The user's consumption history canalso be determined by reviewing the user's media collection, such asaudio and visual assets, public library check-out history, or history ofvideo recording activity. Any or all of these attributes can be combinedto determine the search parameters and tailor the search results to theuser's personal taste.

The search engine 112 then queries one or more databases to find mediainstances of interest to the user (step 216). The media instances can befound using the determined parameters. The databases can each containinformation about different sources of media. One database can includeinformation about television programming, movies, musical recordings, ora combination thereof. In the instance of television programming, suchas programming that is available to the user by terrestrial broadcast,cable, satellite, pay-per-view, subscription (e.g., premium cable andsatellite material), broadband delivery, video on demand, or otherwise,information is available from various commercial sources, includingsources such as Tribune Media and TitanTV. In one implementation, thesearch engine 112 searches more than one database, where one of thedatabases has information related to television programming and anotherdatabase has information about movies available in the theater orrecorded on physical media. In another implementation, one of thedatabases that is searched includes information about broadcasttelevision and another of the databases includes information aboutdownloadable or on-demand media services. Databases can provideinformation not only about television programming, movies or recordingsthat are scheduled to occur in the future, but also programming, moviesor recordings that were aired in the past. Other databases can includeinformation about live performances, museum exhibits or other events inthe community.

Other databases accessible by the media search system 100 can containinformation about movies that are planned for release, theatrical orotherwise. This information is typically available from major moviestudios and from public information clearinghouses, such as the InternetMovie Database (IMDB). Information about movies that are currentlyavailable, such as movies in theaters, on television, available forpurchase or rent, is available from a combination of several sources.The sources can include Tribune Media for theater locations and showtime information and television program schedules for movies ontelevision, IMDB for recorded movies available for purchase or rent, anddigital distributors such as CinemaNow for movies available for digitaldelivery.

In yet other databases, information associated with musical recordingsthat are planned for release by digital delivery, on a recording medium,or otherwise is available from a combination of several sources,including music label press releases. Information about musicalrecordings currently available, such as by broadcast medium,point-to-point digital delivery and by a physical recording medium isavailable from one or a combination of several sources, includingAmazon.com, Inc., and Apple Computer, Inc.

Information about musical recordings, movies or other media that theuser already owns or for which the user has an available license can beobtained from data provided by the user or an analysis of the user'selectronic recordings.

The search engine 112 can also acquire information about planned liveperformances of music and theater and displays of works of art, such asat a museum or gallery. This information is available from a combinationof several sources, including ticket brokers and agents, such asTicketmaster and Telecharge.com (The Shubert Organization, Inc.).

After querying multiple databases for media instances of interest to theuser, the search engine 112 retrieves data pertaining to the mediainstances meeting the search parameters (step 221). The data can besorted according to user preferences, if any are available.Alternatively, the media instances can be categorized, such as by cost,media form or source. The search engine 112 can send the retrieved datato the memory 140 for temporary or permanent storage. The search engine112 then communicates the retrieved data to the graphics module 129.

The graphics module 129 sends a representation of the retrieved data toa display (step 233). The representation of the results can includeinformation about the media instance, including the title, the subjectmatter, the form, where the instance can be accessed, the time and datethat the instance is available, persons associated with the instance,such as the author, artist or actor, ratings, the source of theinstance, any cost associated with accessing the instance and delayintrinsic to acquisition of the instance, as well as other information.A preview, such as compiled excerpts of the media instance (e.g., atelevision advertisement or movie trailer), or descriptive material, andinterviews, in text, pictorial (e.g., video frame), audio, or video formcan also be presented to the user. In the case of pictorial material,the preview can be a truncated version of the full work, such as anexcerpted version at full or lower resolution or a version marked withwatermarks or visual indications that the image is a preview.

When the information is presented to the user, the graphics module 129can use colors, textures and symbols to inform the user about differentattributes of each of the media instances. For example, one color canindicate whether a media instance is available at no charge, whileanother color can indicate that a media instance is only available on asubscription basis or for a fee. The colors, textures or symbols canalso be used to indicate that a media instance is available in one ormore particular forms or that the media instance is of particularinterest to the user or has earned a particular rating.

Once the user can view the description of the retrieved media instances,the user can select one or more of the items. The data communicator 107receives the selection from the user (step 238). The media acquisitionengine 171 determines whether a selected item is available (step 242).If the item is not available to the media acquisition engine 171, theuser can be informed that the item is not available (step 245). If theitem can be accessed by the media acquisition engine 171, such as byrecording, ordering, renting, licensing or purchasing the right toobtain or access the media instance, the media acquisition engine 171determines whether the item is currently available or available in thefuture (step 249).

If the item is currently available, the media acquisition engine 171 canobtain a copy of the media instance (step 251). The media search system100 can either automatically perform the acquisition or request inputfrom the user indicating approval of the acquisition. If payment isrequired for accessing the media instance, the media acquisition engine171 can access necessary information from the memory 140, such as adebit account number, a credit card number, a physical address, a phonenumber or other means for charging the user. Alternatively, the mediasearch system 100 can include an external payment reader capable ofaccepting one or more methods of payment. The media instance is thendelivered to the user (step 255). Delivery methods can include broadcastover the airwaves, delivery over a telephone line, Internet, cable,broadband, or delivery by a government or privately owned mailingcompany or other suitable delivery mechanisms.

If the media instance is not currently available, information regardingfuture availability of the media instance can be provided to the user(step 260). The user can then select whether to have the media instanceobtained automatically when the item becomes available, be notified whenthe item become available or both (step 264). The information about theitem, including the date of availability and whether the user wants theitem delivered or only to receive a notification of availability, can bestored in the memory 140. If the user requests that the instance beobtained when the instance is available, the media acquisition engine171 can obtain the instance at that time (step 275). If the userrequests notification, the notification engine 152 can send a notice tothe user when the item is available (step 280). The notice can be one ofa text message, such as an e-mail, an instant message, a short mailmessage or a pager message, a voice mail or another method ofcommunicating a notice to the user.

In one implementation, the user's search request can be saved in thememory 140. Searches can be saved automatically, or in response to acommand from the user. Optionally, searches can be rerun at a latertime. The search can be rerun, such as at a scheduled time, including atpredetermined intervals, at the request of the user, or when the mediasearch system 100 receives notice from one of the sources that newinstances are available. Saved searches can operate against new orupdated data sources. If new results meeting the user's criteria or thesearch parameters are retrieved, the media search system 100 can notifythe user by one of the methods described above. Alternatively, the mediasearch system 100 can automatically acquire media instances upon findinga media instance that meets the user's criteria. In some cases,instances that are not currently available, but that likely will becomeavailable in the future, can be determined by the media search system100. The media search system 100 can search to find programs that arecurrently or were previously available by searching the media databases.The media search system 100 can then determine media that is typicallymade available in the future and that is related to programs that wereavailable in the past. For example, a mini-series television programthat aired in the past can become available in the future on DVD.

Stored search results in memory so that the media search system 100 cansend a notice to the user when the media instance becomes available canalso be used to notify the user when the media instance becomesavailable in a form that the user is interested in. The same item canbecome available in multiple forms and the user may only be interestedin one or more of the particular media forms. If a movie is currently inthe theaters, the user may want to wait to purchase a DVD of the movieand set the notification for the release date of the DVD.

In one implementation, the notification can also, or alternatively, besent to another party, such as in transferring a purchase request from achild to a parent. The notification can also be sent to a source of themedia instance, requesting that the media instance be made available tothe user. One specific example includes automatically sending by mediasearch system 100 a request to a library reservation system a hold for adesired book when the library acquires the book.

The media search system 100 can also respond to queries and create anddeliver lists dynamically to the user's, or another's, Personal DigitalAssistant or mobile computing or communication device. The notificationstep can be used to provide the user with information when the user isaway from the media search system 100. The user can request anotification remotely when the user is in close proximity to the mediasearch system 100. As an example of an instance in which the user cancall up the media search system 100, the user can request that the mediasearch system 100 send the user a list of the user's highest prioritymovies that are currently playing in theatres and the show times. Asanother example, a user can request that a ranked list of the moviesthat the user would like to see and that are currently available on DVDin the video store be sent to her spouse who is at the video storeselecting a DVD.

Regarding step 251 (the acquisition step of FIG. 2), acquisition optionsvary depending on the media instance. Acquisition, by either the mediasearch system 100 or the user, can include recording a copy of theinstance when such item is broadcast over an available channel, such as,broadcast television, radio, or Internet streaming; purchasing thephysical original or a physical recording or copy where the physicalitem is subsequently delivered to the user or picked up at a localretail outlet; renting a physical recording or copy; reserving aphysical recording or copy at a local public library; licensing anelectronically delivered copy; attending a public presentation of theinstance, e.g., a concert featuring the song or artist, theatricalpresentation of a work, or a gallery showing.

In each case, the details of the acquisition option can include theprice and approximate delivery time, but can also include a variety ofadditional information. A user can have a preferred acquisition methodthat the user takes into account when the user selects a particularmedia instance, such as receiving media instances from a specifieddelivery channel or obtaining only media instances that fall below apredetermined price point. The ability to complete an acquisition canalso depend upon the resources, both physical and data, available to themedia search system 100. Required physical resources can includeresources with the ability to record broadcast material, or the abilityto accept and store an electronically delivered instance and implement arestricted use license. The media search system 100 can be incommunication with other devices that are capable of acquiring mediainstances that the media search system 100 is unable to acquire.Required data can include specific user information, such as, dataneeded to pay for the accessed media instance or deliver the accessedmedia instance to the user, including credit card numbers, physicaladdress and phone number. In addition, the data can include informationabout preferred suppliers and a list of unacceptable suppliers of mediainstances and specific information about an account at a particularsupplier. The media search system 100 can also include data thatprevents particular types of media instances from being obtained, suchas by limiting a child's access to instances with adult themes.

The user can flag instances as being of interest to the user even whenthe instances are not acquired. Once the user has marked specific mediainstances as being of interest, a media list can be maintained thatincludes the media of interest. The media search system 100 can providethe user with information in a form that is useful for the user. Thisinformation can be time consuming for the user to compile and sort. Listmanagement capabilities can be implemented, including, withoutlimitation, modifying the list data (priority, notifications, etc.),selecting a portion of the list, exporting a selected portion of thelist data (e.g., in delimited text or XML form), importing list data,comparing two portions of list data, including list data from otherusers or imported list data, and sorting the media list by variouscriteria. Sorting can be by relative priority, date of addition to thelist, date of last change of list data for an instance, type ofnotification, type of requested form, whether or not notificationcriteria have been met, whether or not acquisition criteria have beenmet, or any ordered combination of the available criteria, e.g.,“notification criteria have been met, type of form, relative priority”.

In one implementation, the license module 193 in addition to obtaining anecessary license for accessing a media instance upgrades an existinglicense. A license typically includes terms and conditions, such aslimitations on duration of availability, number of uses, number or typeof copies, etc. One example of such a license upgrade includes a userextending the time limit on a license, such as from 36 hours to 7 days.Another example is when a user only has a license to a media instance ata limited sampling rate or quality. A license can be obtained thatallows the user to acquire a superior rendition of the same mediainstance.

Automatic Media Searching: Tracking Media

In one implementation, the user input is in response to an advertisementfor a media instance. A user can identify a desired media instance afterviewing or experiencing the advertisement. The tracking engine 175 canperform one or more of the following actions for each media instancethat the user has indicated an interest. The media instance can bemarked as “of interest” and assigned a relative priority (e.g., anumerical priority ranging from 1 to 5). The user can then be notifiedwhen the media instance becomes available. The instance can becomeavailable in many forms and under many conditions, such as at no charge(e.g., if the item becomes available at the local library, or if theitem is scheduled to be broadcast), at a particular time, on a specificdate or after a specific period of time has elapsed (includingimmediately), at a particular price (e.g., at a price below a specificthreshold, or at a new price which is a certain percentage less than thecurrent price), when the media instance becomes available in a certainform (e.g., a movie is released on DVD, or an album becomes availableelectronically) or when the media instance becomes available from apreferred supplier (e.g., Amazon now sells the desired book). The usercan select the criteria, including the form and conditions under whichthe user wishes to be notified.

In one implementation, the user can request more information or relatedmedia instances to a media instance that the user is watching, listeningto or otherwise experiencing. The input can be a single input, such asbutton on remote control 109. By selecting more information or relatedmedia, the media search system 100 can determine the media instance thatthe user is currently experiencing. The media search system 100 thendetermines what other media instances are related to that instance. Themedia search system 100 can then present descriptions of the other mediainstances to the user.

Automatic Media Searching: Correlation

As shown in FIG. 3, the user can also select media of interest based oncritical reviews, or a critical correlation method. The user inputs intothe media search system 100 media instances that have been consumed bythe user, such as movies the user has viewed, books the user has read,or gallery shows the user has attended (step 311). These instances ofconsumed media can also be automatically tracked by the media searchsystem 100 such that the user input creates a historical record of theuser's acquisition and consumption of media. Alternatively, or inaddition, the user can input ratings of media instances that the userhas consumed. The search engine 112 then queries a database (e.g.,database 121) having critical reviews of media instances (step 320).Each of the critical reviews is stored in groups, such as by reviewer.Reviewers can be professional reviewers, amateur reviewers, or othersusing similar search systems and storing their reviews in a databaseaccessible to the search engine 112.

The search engine 112 correlates the reviews input by the user to agroup of reviews and selects at least one group of reviews thatcorrelates the most closely with the user's reviews (step 329). Thesearch engine 112 retrieves one or more reviews from the correlatinggroup (step 340). The search engine 112 can retrieve the one or morereviews based on criteria input by the user, such as a form of mediainstance or another description of the media instance. The search engine112 then sends the retrieved reviews to the graphics module 129 todisplay a representation of the retrieved reviews to the user (step347).

The critical correlation method allows the identification of a criticalvoice with similar tastes to the user. The critic is likely to providecritical feedback about other media of interest to the user if thecritic's previous feedback correlates highly to the user's history ofacquisition and ratings. The critical correlation method can be superiorto an inter-user correlation method, described further below, becauseconsumption and acquisition activities do not imply subsequent approvalof the media and can therefore lead to inappropriate correlations.

Media Search Results Sharing

In one implementation, the data created by the search criteria and theuser's history or media assets can be accessed by others. The data maybe public, private or accessible by a defined group of users, such as asubscription based group or a user defined group. When the data of oneuser is accessed by others, an inter-user correlation method can beimplemented. In the inter-user correlation method, information about aparticular user, such as the user's previous media consumption, ratingsand interests, is correlated with other users about whom similarinformation is available. The other users' information can be collectedfrom other users of the media search system 100, or from a database ofuser preferences either related to the media search system 100 oraccessible by the media search system 100. Media that are demonstrablyof interest, according to consumption, acquisition, ratings orotherwise, to other users who have a high degree of correlation to theuser are presumed to be of interest to the user as well.

Access to other's media data can allow the media search system 100 tocompare data and determine overlap of desired media instances. Inaddition to finding new media instances for the user to obtain,determining overlap of desired media instances can be helpful, forexample, in finding media instances of interest to multiple users whowish to experience media together, such as attend a concert or watch atelevision program. For example, the media search system 100 can comparemovies a user wants to see with the media lists of three other users andfind the highest priority movie that all four want to see.

Because the media search media search system 100 can search databases,one of the databases can include media owned by the user. The databasecan include the user's assets, such as user created movies, photos,slide shows, music and other such media instances. In oneimplementation, the media search system 100 can search for mediainstances that the user owns and that match a user input criteria. Theuser can then request that the media instances be delivered from storageto another party or apparatus. The media instances can then bedisplayed, such as on a television, printed, distributed, such as toothers or to a web site, converted into another product, such as agreeting card, a t-shirt, a calendar, a mug, or other householdproducts, or converted into a different form, such as transferring avideo recording from a disk drive to a DVD.

The following examples provide just a few scenarios in which the mediasearch system 100 can be used.

EXAMPLES Example 1

If a system performs a search for all movies starring Tom Hanks, thesearch results may include:

-   -   several DVD's owned by the user (available to watch at any time        at no charge)    -   a movie available on Pay-per-view the following evening, with a        cost of $4.95    -   a movie already recorded on a local hard disk    -   a movie scheduled for broadcast on TNT later tonight    -   a movie scheduled to broadcast on HBO the following week    -   the same movie available on DVD in stock at a local video rental        store for $3.95    -   the same movie available for download on a 36 hour license for        $3.95    -   a movie currently in production, but due in theaters in 7 weeks    -   a movie playing at a local theater starting in 20 minutes for        $7.00

Example 2 Find New TV Shows

A user is tired of watching the same television shows and it's summerand she's seen everything anyhow. She composes a search for episodictelevision shows that meet the following criteria:

-   -   she has never watched or recorded them (i.e., they are new to        her)    -   they have received favorable reviews (e.g., they have received a        rating above half on the applicable rating scale)    -   an episode is scheduled to be broadcast on her cable system in        the next 2 weeks    -   no half-hour comedies

When the search is completed, five shows have been identified. Four ofthem just have the text description available, but there is a traileravailable for the fifth. After previewing that show and readinginformation about the others, she selects two shows that soundinteresting and specifies that future episodes be recorded for her.

Example 3 Find Other Work by an Actor

A user is watching his favorite television show and is fascinated by aguest star. He pauses the show and conducts a search for other work thatthe actor has done. The search results include four credited movies, twoguest appearances on other television shows, and a currently runningBroadway musical. Three of the movies are available on DVD, so the useradds them to his NetFlix request list. The fourth is currently availableon Pay-per-View, but he elects not to purchase but instead be notifiedwhen the movie is available on DVD. One of the television guestappearances is scheduled to be broadcast on A&E in 10 days, so herequests that the show be recorded when the show appears. Lastly hesends notification of the Broadway musical to his wife to see if she isinterested in purchasing tickets.

Example 4 Find Other Works by an Artist

While listening to one of her favorite songs, the user wonders if theartist has released any new songs lately. She conducts a search of allelectronically available tracks from the artist. The search results showthat the user already has copies of all available works by the artist,but that several recordings are inferior to what is now available. Afterpreviewing the updates, the user elects to immediately purchase upgradesto those recordings for electronic delivery. She also saves the searchso that she will be notified immediately if additional songs becomeavailable.

Example 5 Find Recommended Music

A user is tired of the same old music and wants to find new music thathe'll like. He conducts a search for music recommended by critics whorecommend the music that's already in his “Favorite Albums” play list.The critical correlation method identifies two professional and fiveamateur music reviewers whose recommendations are correlated with theuser's preferences. By analyzing and comparing the recommendations ofthe seven, and seeking correlations among their recommendations that arenot currently part of the user's music collection, the search resultspresent a “top ten” list of recommended songs and albums. Most of theseselections provide a preview/excerpt capability, and after listening tothe selections, the user purchases three new tracks and one new album.

Example 6 Automatically Finding Media Related to Media Presently BeingExperienced

A user is watching a movie and is enthralled by the soundtrack. The userselects the More Information button on her remote control while themovie is playing. The media search system 100 determines the movie thatthe user is watching by determining that the user is watching a movie ona particular satellite channel and presents the user with optionsregarding the type of information that the user is interested in. Theuser selects composer from a list including actors, director, writers,composers and musicians associated with the film. The media searchsystem 100 presents the user with an option to access the soundtrack ofthe movie, other movies including the composer's works, as well as othersoundtracks available by the same composer. The user schedules herpersonal video recorder to record one of the movies on a pay per viewstation the following night.

The functional operations described in this specification can beimplemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware,firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The data communicator107, search engine 112, graphics module 129, memory 140, notificationsystem 152, media acquisition engine 171, tracking engine 175, previewprovider 189, recording device 190 and licensing module 193 can all bein a single device that is in communication with a television. Thedevice can include additional processors or computing devices. Each ofthe components can be combined with other components to form singlecomponents that perform multiple functions. One or more of thecomponents can be included in a television. The device can be incommunication with a computer in addition to or instead of a television.

Method steps of the invention can be performed by one or moreprogrammable processors executing a computer program to performfunctions described above by operating on input data and generatingoutput. Method steps can also be performed by, and apparatus of theinvention can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g.,an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specificintegrated circuit).

To provide for interaction with a user, the invention can be implementedon a television, a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT(cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, fordisplaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device,e.g., a mouse, a trackball or a remote, by which the user can provideinput to the media search system 100. Other kinds of devices can be usedto provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedbackprovided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visualfeedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from theuser can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactileinput.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the media search system can be used in conjunction with acomputer system instead of a television. In one implementation, not allof the components described with respect to media search system 100 arerequired. In one implementation, the media search system 100 is includedin a set-top box for a television, a personal video recorder or digitalvideo recorder or a DVD-player. Accordingly, other embodiments arewithin the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for searching for media of interest to a user, comprising: using a computer to perform a sequence comprising the steps of: retrieving a plurality of lists of media instances that are of interest to a plurality of users in a group; determining from the lists media instances that are of interest to all members of the group; displaying information about the media instances that are of interest to all the members of the group; finding groups of reviews of media instances where each media instance is assigned a review, wherein the media instances are grouped according to a reviewer who assigned the review to the media instance; selecting a group of reviews according to the reviews in the group and information known about the user's media interests; and selecting a media instance from the selected group that is potentially of interest to the user, wherein the selected media instance is assigned a favorable review by the reviewer.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a preview of one or more of the selected media instance.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing information to the user for acquiring the selected media instance.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein providing information to the user for acquiring the selected media instance includes providing a schedule for a broadcast of entertainment content.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein providing information to the user for acquiring the selected media instance includes presenting the user with an option to purchase, license or place an order for the media instance.
 6. The method of claim 1 including: receiving an indication from the user during presentation of a media instance that the user is interested in; searching for the related media instances and retrieving information about related media instances; and presenting to the user a representation of the information about the related media instances.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein receiving the indication from the user occurs during presentation of a media instance that is broadcast.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein: retrieving the plurality of lists includes retrieving a plurality of lists that include media instances that have a ranking assigned to each media instance; and displaying the information about the media instances that are of interest to all members of the group includes displaying the media instances in a ranked order.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending the information about the media instances to a personal communications device.
 10. A non-transitory computer readable storage media storing instructions executed by a computer to perform a sequence to search for media of interest to a user, said sequence comprising: retrieving a plurality of lists of media instances that are of interest to a plurality of users in a group; determining from the lists media instances that are of interest to all members of the group; displaying information about the media instances that are of interest to all the members of the group; finding groups of reviews of media instances where each media instance is assigned a review, wherein the media instances are grouped according to a reviewer who assigned the review to the media instance; selecting a group of reviews according to the reviews in the group and information known about the user's media interests; and selecting a media instance from the selecting group that is potentially of interest to the user, wherein the selected media instance is assigned a favorable review by the reviewer.
 11. The media of claim 10, said sequence further comprising providing a preview of one or more of the selected media instance.
 12. The media of claim 10, said sequence further comprising providing information to the user for acquiring the selected media instance.
 13. The media of claim 12, wherein providing information to the user for acquiring the selected media instance includes providing a schedule for a broadcast of entertainment content.
 14. The media of claim 13, wherein providing information to the user for acquiring the selected media instance includes presenting the user with an option to purchase, license or place an order for the media instance.
 15. The media of claim 10, said sequence including: receiving an indication from the user during presentation of a media instance that the user is interested in; searching for the related media instances and retrieving information about related media instances; and presenting to the user a representation of the information about the related media instances.
 16. The media of claim 15, wherein receiving the indication from the user occurs during presentation of a media instance that is broadcast.
 17. The media of claim 10, wherein: retrieving the plurality of lists includes retrieving a plurality of lists that include media instances that have a ranking assigned to each media instance; and displaying the information about the media instances that are of interest to all members of the group includes displaying the media instances in a ranked order.
 18. The media of claim 10, said sequence further comprising sending the information about the media instances to a personal communication device. 